IP 2 SME

As well as supporting spinouts, Forging Ahead is also developing new commercialisation pathways.

Our pilot programme - 鈥業P to SME鈥� - is focused on taking IP directly to potential customers.

The programme will place early career researchers into SMEs on secondment for three months, enabling the flow of university IP and a direct route to market.

The first pilot cohort of researchers took place over 12 weeks in the Spring of 2026.

The pilot culminated in a showcase event at the University of Warwick.

The second cohort - taking researchers from across the 16 universities in the Forging Ahead partnership - is set to commence in the Autumn of 2026.

A college of people in business attire presenting
The End-of-Pilot Showcase at the University of Warwick. Photography: Jason Hier

Three phases of IP to SME

Phase 1

Identifying technology transfer innovation opportunities by matching a university research group with an SME.

Phase 2

It then identifies and places a researcher alongside an SME to explore new market opportunities.

Phase 3

This allows the flow of IP, through licensing, to enable a direct 'route to market' and a commercialisation opportunity.

Register your interest

If you are interested in learning more about the pilot and how you can get involved, email the team.